Kidney Transplants Essay

The objective of this research paper is to discuss the history, risks , necessary treatments and benefits of kidney transplants - Kidney Transplants Essay introduction. Kidney transplantation is the organ transplant of a kidney into a patient with end-stage renal disease. In the Early 1900’s European doctors attempted to save patients dying of renal failure by transplanting kidneys from various animals, including monkeys, pigs and goats. None of the recipients lived for more than a few days. And In the late 1940s and early 1950s, a team of doctors at Boston’s Peter Bent Brigham Hospital carried out a series of human kidney grafts, some of which functioned for days or even months.

In 1954 the surgeons transplanted a kidney from 23-year-old Ronald Herrick into his twin brother Richard; since donor and recipient were genetically identical, the procedure succeeded. The first successful kidney transplant was performed in 1954 by Dr. Joseph Murray at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. Richard and Ronald Herrick were identical twins, but Richard was dying of kidney disease. Ronald donated one of his kidneys, and it was successfully transplanted into Richard. Because they were identical twins, the organ did not appear foreign to Richard’s body, which did not reject it.

Moreover, kidney transplants are not always successful they have many possible risks. some of the risks of having a kidney transplant include ; rejection of the new kidney, severe infection , bleeding , reaction to the anesthesia used for surgery , and failure of the donor kidney. Once you get used to your treatment, you should begin to feel better. The dialysis treatments or transplanted kidney will take over some of the work of your diseased kidneys and remove wastes and extra fluid from your body. This will improve many of your symptoms. Transplantation has many advantages.

It eliminates the need for dialysis and helps patients enjoy a life filled with more freedom, energy and productivity. Although most patients are on dialysis before first being evaluated for transplantation, patients with end-stage renal disease can be referred for transplantation even before starting dialysis. Successful kidney transplantation treats your kidney failure and gives you back your health. It also provides a better quality of life and is therefore a preferable treatment for many patients. Usually you will have less restrictions on fluid intake and diet after receiving a transplant.

Many patients also return to work and lead a full life after transplant. Transplantation can also have some disadvantages. You will need to take medications every day and these drugs may have side effects. You may also reject your new kidney or develop an infection. Consequently, Kidney transplant is a life extending prodecure. the typical patient will live 10 to 15 years longer if he/she goes through a kidney transplant. references: wikipedia , http://www. emedicinehealth. com/kidney_transplant/article_em. htm , http://www. mayoclinic. org/kidney-transplant/what-is-a-kidney-transplant. html